Bachelor of Psychology & Counselling at Cairnmillar Institute
Cairnmillars Bachelor of Psychology & Counselling is a pioneering three-year (full-time) or six-year (part-time) degree that equips students with both psychological science and counselling expertise. With TEQSA and APAC accreditation, this double-major program is uniquely designed to prepare graduates for careers in mental health or as a strong springboard toward becoming a registered psychologist.
Program Highlights & Curriculum
This immersive program focuses exclusively on mental health, ensuring that every unit contributes directly to your future practice. Covering topics from cognition, neuroscience, and human development, to counselling theoriessuch as person-centred therapy, CBT, trauma-informed practice, and ethical frameworksit combines a scientific and reflective-practitioner approach.
The curriculum includes 24 units (300 credit points), with 22 coursework units and 2 compulsory placements, integrating at least 40 hours of supervised client contact in the final year. Cairnmillars clinicians and researchers deliver these units, bringing real-world insights directly into the classroom.
Practical Experience & Career Readiness
Field-based learning is central to the program. Students gain hands-on experience through placements, working in Cairnmillars community clinics or partnering agencies to build clinical capabilities. Learning continues with structured supervisionboth one-on-one and group-basedhelping students develop reflective practice and ethical competence.
Graduates are equipped to work immediately as counsellors across community services, education, healthcare, human resources, and beyond. Additionally, those who achieve at least a 70% average in psychology units secure automatic entry into Cairnmillars Honours yearfurther advancing toward general psychologist registration.
Accreditation & Postgraduate Pathways
As a TEQSA and APAC-accredited degree, this course meets key requirements for psychology practice. Cairnmillar is also pursuing PACFA accreditation, which will further enhance counsellor registration opportunities upon completion of the undergraduate degree.
Graduates can progress to:
Honours year in Psychology (APAC Level 2) ? pathway to Master of Professional Psychology or Clinical Psychology ? eligibility for AHPRA registration.
Postgraduate counselling & psychotherapy studies ? PACFA or ACA registration, enabling professional counsellor practice without necessarily completing Honours .
Learner Experience & Support
Students benefit from small cohort sizes and practitioner-led teaching that blends academic theory, clinical practice, and research. Cairnmillars community-focused model extends to its clinics across Hawthorn East, Dandenong, North Melbourne, and Melbourne CBDensuring students can engage with ongoing mental health services and community impact.
Comprehensive student support includes academic mentoring, professional workshops, research guidance, and mental wellness initiatives. Placement supervisors provide structured reflective practice to deepen learning and ethical awareness .
Fees, Entry & Flexibility
Domestic students pay approximately AUD?13,340 per year, totaling around AUD?40,020; international fees are approximately AUD?27,942 per year (total of ~AUD?83,825). FEE-HELP is available for eligible domestic students.
Entry is via VTAC with a minimum ATAR of 60 or through mature-aged pathways based on prior study or experience. International applicants must meet English proficiency standards (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band).
Conclusion
Cairnmillars Bachelor of Psychology & Counselling blends rigorous academic foundations, meaningful placements, practitioner-led teaching, and clear pathways to counselling or psychology careers. Its an ideal launchpad for those passionate about mental health, equipped to support diverse communities with evidence-based, empathetic practice.
